How to Drive a Motorhome/RV - Driving Tips: Off-Tracking & Rear Overhang

Turning an RV's steering wheel creates a couple of situations that require special attention. Drone aerial footage makes it clearer than ever what happens when you go around a corner with an RV!
We always make a point of mentioning that we're not professionals when it comes to RV repair and maintenance. We get lots of kind comments about the clarity of our instructional videos, and people sometimes assume at least one of us has a teaching background. That is indeed the case.
For the first time, we can remove the "we're not professionals" disclaimer, because one of us Geeks is indeed a former professional... in the driving realm.
For more information about how to drive an RV, visit our blog post:
www.thervgeeks.com/how-to-dri...
Peter's resume as a motorcoach operator and driving instructor is substantial. Not only did he drive tour buses in a big city, but he was also the Safety & Training Manager for one of the largest bus companies in North America. He designed and ran the training program, hiring and training hundreds of professional drivers, and dozens of driving instructors, over the years.
In addition, his driving prowess in the American Public Transit Association's annual Bus Roadeo driving competition earned him a shelf full of trophies.
We intend for this to be the first of many RVgeeks Driving School videos, designed to share the concepts required to master the operation of a large vehicle, and increase safety on the road. We get so many questions about driving, that we thought it was about time we shared something from a bona fide expert's point of view.
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Full-Time RVers since April, 2003, we share DIY (do it yourself) RV maintenance, repair, travel, upgrade and operational tips & tricks.
Many RVers are eager to learn more about using, maintaining and caring for their rigs. We hope our experience can help others go DIY, saving time & money, plus the satisfaction of a job well done.
We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. We're happy with the techniques and products we use, but be sure to confirm that all methods and materials you use are compatible with your equipment and abilities. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk.
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Comments welcome! Thanks for watching! Don't forget to subscribe!
#DRIVEANRV #DRIVEAMOTORHOME #HOWTODRIVEANRV #RVLIFE #RVDIY #RVLIVING #FULLTIMERV #RVREPAIR #RVMAINTENANCE #RVMODS #RVUPGRADES #RVTRAVEL #DIYRV #RVGEEKS

[@forrestshaw255]

As an experienced UPS driver with 23 years behind the “Brown wheel” I’ve gotta say this is truly an informed an educational video “reminder” to seasoned professionals and novices alike. Don’t, don’t don’t take knowledge and experience for granted. And for you rookies out there...seek quality knowledge and information like this.....or you’re sure to get some experience! And you probably WON’T enjoy THAT experience!! Happy trails to all. Take your time and find some peace behind the wheel. Pay attention to what’s all around you and aim high in steering. The only space you have total control of is the space in front of you. Leave plenty of it. Drive “as if” everyone around you just got their license and you’re the only professional on the road!

[@RVgeeks]

It's always great tO hear from fellow professional drivers. Thank you so much for your comments, Forrest. You sure made my day! 😊

[@TinyHomeTours]

Great video guys!

[@robertspiegel2548]

It is clear you have a gift and what is best... you are a generous and kind teacher. We have all had failed attempts at learning something. You have made life as a newbie so much better. Thank you. Bob

[@landonvarner2354]

He was also a charter bus driver to

[@williamforsterjr276]

Jan 2023 - still one of the best reminder videos ever. Thank you! 👍

[@RVgeeks]

Thank you so much, William! That’s so great to hear, as I personally feel this is the best video I’ve ever put on KZbin. So you just made my day. 😄

[@Fergusbaddog]

This is seriously one of the best "how-to" videos I have seen on KZbin - very well done!! Thank you for your time and instructions, sir. Liked and subscribed.

[@RVgeeks]

You don't even know how much you just made my day, Red! Out of the 200 or so videos we've made, this is by far my favorite and the one I'm most proud of (followed closely by our other driving video about mirror adjustment). Hearing that it's appreciated is always so meaningful. Thanks for taking the time to write. :)

[@michaelnerger1866]

Michael C nerger pensacola fl

[@leftyclick]

That was a really great video! Excellent explanation and view angles that I have not seen when talking about driving large vehicles. I am a bit nervous about taking our bus out on the road when we get it finished, but this really helps. I am DEFINITELY looking forward to more videos about this! Thank you for what you do!

[@smacdiesel]

One of the BEST RV related youtube videos ever made!!

[@svcpita]

I was looking for a simple animation of off-tracking to show a new firefighter about driving a fire engine. Same as an RV, just with more noise & flashing lights. This describes, demonstrates, and explains the concept incredibly well. I will be using this with all my rookies from now on. Thank you.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much! Great to hear. I’ve trained literally hundreds of professional motorcoach operators, and the very best students I ever had were always fireman. A firetruck, a long RV or a bus are incredibly similar in wheelbase and turning radius, so if you can drive one, you can drive the others!

[@gvc56100]

excellent video once again..every first timer should watch.....

[@joeschmo7317]

Well said...Could not agree more!

[@cogalh.1131]

This is so clear and easy to understand, really well done.

[@azurepink5737]

Just the other day I did a two hour lesson about the vehicle's pivot point. This video gives clarity to what I'm endeavoring to master. Thanks for taking the time to explain v clearly.

[@RykeEdwards]

You guys provide a real service to others.......why I love KZbin so much. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.....personally speaking, it is sincerely appreciated.

[@RVgeeks]

Thank so much for the nice comment. Means a lot, especially on this particular video, which is our personal favorite. :)

[@brucethompson1879]

You guys make my RV life so much better ! Thanks for sharing !!2013 Coachmen Mirada

[@Davidipac]

Thank you for providing a common sense application of how to drive a large vehicle. By the way, your motorhome always looks immaculate.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks very much. Since we boondock in some pretty remote spots (look for a video about that coming soon) it isn't always so clean, but we do try to take good care of our rig. We also make an effort to do video shoots after wash day when possible. 😉

[@shmulyeng]

I watched this before taking my first A Class RV trip. It helped me drive with confidence. Thanks.

[@RVgeeks]

That's great to hear! Thanks for taking the time to let us know we've been helpful 😊

[@mikejones6297]

Me right now

[@thewanderloons2095]

This is so helpful! I just wanted to say thank you for the video and looking forward to seeing more of these driving tips.

[@erikajones1831]

What a great video! Very clear, great photos! Easy to understand. Thank you!

[@unkleturpis9253]

As a truck driver building my skoolie, I still found this useful. The track of my trailer is much different to the off tracking of the bus, which I subconsciously understood, but would have likely consciously ignored for the muscle memory of driving a combination vehicle. Thanks for the refresher.

[@bobyager8641]

Best explanation and demonstration of these topics ever!

[@esmeraldasoto996]

Excellent vid! Going to be driving an RV for the first time. Consuming as many videos like this as I can. Very informative and explained well.

[@roglco72]

wow, MORE of these!!! You, sir, know more than how to drive a class A; you know how to make a teaching video demonstrating clearly how it is done. Hope there are lots more to come.

[@skpjoecoursegold366]

thanks for this and future videos on driving safety.

[@LivinliteNet1]

This video probably saves us thousands of dollars in repairs in our first year on the road. Thanks guys!

[@RVgeeks]

Thank you so much for your awesome comment! You just made my day! 😊

[@LivinliteNet1]

RVgeeks I just noticed we commented a year ago with a similar comment too lol! We must have really liked the video to comment twice lol! - seriously a life saver - Hope to see you guys on the road someday! - Erik & Kala

[@markshadwell8922]

Great educational video as usual! We just purchased our first motorhome a 2016 Coachmen Leprechaun 33 foot RV and I am getting used to driving it conscientiously and safely and this video helps explain the physics of turning a larger vehicle. Perfect for newbies like me! Thanks for sharing. Mark

[@RVgeeks]

+Mark Shadwell Thanks Mark! And congratulations on your first RV! Rigs in your general length so often have HUGE rear overhangs in relation to their overall length, so this is definitely a good first video for that. Hope you have a blast with it. :)

[@LivinliteNet1]

We are so happy you are doing this series. When we started there was very little information on this topic and we chose to jump right into a 45ft Entegra so we needed all the help we could get. We were going to do our own videos on the topic but we'll send folks your way instead now that we know you did these. Thanks!

[@baltsosser]

You did great work here. I used to drive an FL 70 30' Box truck for Navy Medicine. I learned off tracking the hard way. Took me two sets of steps that were very low and on the right hand side, but I learned my lesson well. in 18 months I only destroyed 2 sets of stairs. My counterparts in the mobile Dental vans...destroyed a set of stairs every month. Seeing the measurement of just how far the tires were spread out was pretty interesting.

[@Hackman2326]

This was one of your best videos ever... Awesome... Thanks for this one..

[@Mainuh]

Another great video Peter & John. Very well done and super informative. Thanks!

[@RVgeeks]

+Mainuh Thanks so much Don. Congratulations on your upcoming retirement and best of luck on the deal on the '08 Mountain Aire! And thank you so much for using our tip jar. :) We're working on lots more videos, and the generous support we receive is allowing us to spend more time away from "work" and more time shooting and editing. We have an upcoming video all about mirror adjustment and lane control that we hope you'll find valuable too. Safe travels and be sure to let us know how you make out with your purchase.

[@geraldmiller6679]

With over 3 million miles under my belt I just found your channel and subscribed. There is always something to learn!

[@fredsbook]

Great explanation. Seeing what happens helped me to really understand how my RV makes a turn.

[@Perspectologist]

This was awesome! Knew very little about the technical aspects of this. I am looking forward to your future videos about this.

[@freespeech7605]

UK based and soon to take delivery of our first motor home. This is gonna help me take into consideration how the vehicle reacts whan steering. Thank you.

[@jfassino]

Well done, great video. Looking forward to the next edition.

[@cletetorres9025]

Outstanding explanation of off-tracking and results of errant judgement regarding. This type of information should be covered in driver education at a beginner (HS) level.

[@fletcher3913]

Good job. Excellent tutorial.

[@Stock-market-observations]

First timer, or old hand should watch these great driving videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@ATCDave1]

Great stuff, and from a pro to boot. This info is just fantastic as I'm a beginner just starting out in Class A's. Thanks for your quality videos and instruction!

[@stratolestele7611]

I loved this within the first 10 seconds and instantly subscribed. Thank you.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Austin! Welcome aboard! 😄

[@NWHomesteader]

Thank you, I've always wondered about this... You guys really know how to explain things concisely and clearly!

[@RVgeeks]

+NWHomesteader We've been itching to get our drone involved in showing something more clearly than ever. So great to hear that we seem to have succeeded. Thanks so much!

[@SAXN8R]

Thanks for all the great content. I learned almost everything I know about RV’s/Motorhomes from you guys!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much! Great to hear. 😊

[@ekclay7]

Thank you for this helpful demonstration.

[@stevetruitt9947]

Good video. Smart, simple, quick. Thank you.

[@shawnlouie150]

Thank you for making the video! It's very informative and presents the observer with an idea of what to expect when driving.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much for the nice words, Shawn! This is my personal favorite video we've ever made, so your comment means a lot. :)

[@theimaginator16]

Great drone work! I learned about off tracking and overhang when I was driving super stretch limousines. It really does become second nature. Eventually you don't even think about it.

[@RVgeeks]

+Ryan Losinger Thanks Ryan! That was fun footage to shoot.

[@nellocan]

Good to know!

[@0HARE]

Thanks for an excellent video. As a tractor trailer driver with twenty-six years experience, I can say that the information you present here is right on the money. Your presentation is clear and unambiguous. Keep On Truckin'!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much Allen! So great to hear a comment like that from a pro. 😀

[@jtfritchie]

This is stunningly clear. You have done a fantastic job

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much JT! 😄

[@rob891]

Very informative video, well done & explained. I don't have a coach, but if I ever drive one I'll remember these tips...

[@police1184]

Great video! One day I hope to own and this gives great demonstrations.

[@susiescherff5868]

The best video I've seen about driving an RV and I've driven a 44 ft for 4 years. I'd love to see one on parallel parking. We camp in a 46 ft space that we have to parallel park into. Always a scary adventure.

[@forfreedom67]

Your videos and expertise is greatly appreciated. I look forward to more of your videos. Thank you!!!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much Shawn! ☺️

[@MegaSparks88]

Fantastic video ! Hopefully getting cdl B tomorrow was looking for a video that clearly explained these maneuvers 😎 thank you very much !

[@JimPelley]

Another great video, thanks!

[@shellglow9679]

This was very informative! Thankyou! 😀

[@jacktracy4845]

You guys are the very good at this. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much, Jack! Glad you found this helpful!

[@jackjeannettewalker7868]

After 12 yrs with Class C LazyDaze, just acquired Tradewind36 - much longer & heavier! This video is super clear and helpful, as we're on 2nd journey.

[@DrDGr2]

Very very good again! Thanks guys!!

[@Aristacat01]

Thank you! This was very well explained. It sure helps seeing it in action. The above view was perfect! You guys never disappoint when it comes to educating. Thank you so much.

[@RVgeeks]

Thank you so much Barbara! It’s always great to hear we’ve been helpful. 😊

[@osconnie]

I really enjoy your videos. I was a school bus driver and a driver trainer for 40 years. The videos really get to the meat of subject. One thing I am not too sure about is the overhang and to manage it. Would appreciate more instruction. Thank you for providing this service.

[@RVgeeks]

+Connie Greenidge The rear overhang on school buses is usually VERY long, as it is on many Class A motorhomes. Anyone who can handle a school bus will make a great RV driver. 😊

[@USAFAFRet11]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.

[@torktool]

Sir, you are an exceptional teacher!!! Your courses have sharpened my skills. Thank you.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much, Robert! Great to hear. :)

[@mvpriebe56]

I'm a new RV owner, and appreciate your videos very much. Thank you!

[@RVgeeks]

Congrats on your new RV, Michael, and thanks for the nice comment. It's always nice to hear we've been helpful. :)

[@renatoscutube]

Great video, in special the different angles of shooting and the drone... : )

[@lifeofajeeper5235]

Excellent video (just like the rest of them). As a beginner this helped me out, I never thought of the rear overhang when pulling away from curbs and such! So much stuff to learn lol My motorhome is 31ft long.

[@Anvanho]

Wow, great video. Very helpful!

[@tdata545]

I am so glad mine is under 30 ft. HOLY COW. This was super informative and not full of fluff. Thank you.

[@jackbrown8052]

Thanks guys, great video. I really hope you're going to do a video about driving with a tow car.

[@tushaye2175]

Yes absolutely agree.. that's a great idea..even 6 year's on..😁 Here in Australia 🇦🇺 we have car and motorcycle trailers...I WISH we had the same as you do to tow a car behind the vehicle.

[@bryantford3054]

Great video. The aerial shots were a big plus. I was a full time RVer for over 2 years before I drove big rigs. My RV experience really helped me get my CDL (except for backing-I was awful at first) On the road I saw more collisions from right turns than from left. Also, drivers would forget that rear trailer swing pulling out of a truck stop parking space & sideswipe a $100,000 Peterbilt. Eek-I hate when that happens!

[@RVgeeks]

+Bryant Ford The right side is the weak side for sure, so lots of collisions there.

[@donotneed2250]

In trucking we call it the "blind side." I was glad when they came out with motorized mirrors.

[@FamilyMan1911]

Thanks for the information.

[@isomyusa2145]

I'm excited to get my first RV. I only just began looking at RV's on-line and plan on really taking my time to learn the ins and outs of all brands and types as I move forward. This video was great, even for those who are seasoned commercial drivers. It is never a good time to stop learning as much as one can regarding driving large vehicles. I drove tour buses for five years and then drove semi trucks for four years then returned to tour bus driving for seven years. With my experience, I can confidently drive a large RV however, your video was great as it just reinforces my techniques for driving. Thank you for sharing. Excellent.

[@RVgeeks]

+The Wandering Fedora Thanks so much! Means a lot coming from a fellow professional driver. 😊

[@robertd1523]

Certainly a professionally shot, edited and scripted video. Wonderfully clear and easy to follow, an instructional video does is not presented any better than this one. Thank you, Geeks. Very, very much.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much for the kind words, Robert!!

[@doc4god7773]

Thank you for the insight ......BIG coaches can be a scare at first, but like you said in time anyone that can drive a car, can drive a RV....IN TIME!! Happy RVing!!

[@samanli-tw3id]

Donald Carey RVs are more like buses.

[@LilHouseOnTheHighwayRV]

No curbing for the lil house, great video! Nice drone footage. :)

[@CutebabyDestiney]

This was so nice and informal thank you so much!

[@PidasianHippie]

Very good information for newbies and potential RVers.

[@zenzen9131]

Excellent video. Many thanks :)

[@ianjharris]

"Driving an RV isn't that much more difficult than driving a car, it's just different." Good one, thank you.

[@bevwest4543]

I tried to tell that to my husband.... he wasn't falling for it.

[@ianjharris]

@@bevwest4543 lol stubborn men

[@brendatrimble9528]

Great information. Thank you!

[@MrEnos1993]

Good video mate very helpful

[@taylors4243]

This was filmed beautifully

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much, Desiree! 😊

[@johnwhite5897]

Thanx I'm actually working on my cdl and we're talking abt tail swing and your drone shot made more sense that a day in class thanx again

[@petersinclair2013]

Excellent video tips

[@stevewicker984]

Thanks for all the info! My wife and I are picking up a brand new tiffin 34pa coach this Friday we are soooo excited! It's a 36 foot gas coach.I drove school bus when I was 21 years old now I am 59 hope it all comes back to me! I think the biggest thing is to take my time and think about what I am doing...I love your videos and have watched this video a few times ...thanks again!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much Steve, and congratulations on your new RV! I'm excited for you! Since you drove a school bus, you should be in really good shape with a 34' motorhome, as the longer rear overhang and slightly shorter wheelbase on the average mid-size motorhome are likely very similar to what you were used to... just as my experience with MCIs was perfect preparation for our 43-footer's longer wheelbase and shorter rear overhang. I have a bit more more off-tracking to watch out for, and you'll likely have a bit more rear overhang swing to keep an eye on (although both are of course always in play). You have the right idea about taking your time when you get back in the saddle after so long, but I bet it will come back to you like riding a bike! Have a blast, and thanks again for your comment. Hearing that our videos have been helpful means a lot, especially the driving videos, as they are particularly near and dear to me. :)

[@RVgeeks]

+Steve Wicker Sorry... meant "36 footer" not 34. Why they can't make the model numbers match the length is beyond me! LOL

[@Running_To_Something]

Great information. Can't wait to see the next one

[@TheMoreWeExplore]

Extremely well done, thank you!

[@shepardsonp]

Very well done! A very good learning tool!

[@RVgeeks]

Thank you, Paul! 😊

[@newts-gaming695]

fantastic video, thanks so much

[@GeorgeBunyon01]

Awesome video!

[@LetsRVtv]

This is an awesome video. The way you illustrated the physics behind the turns makes everything so easy to understand. Thanks.

[@RVgeeks]

+Lets RV Thanks! :)

[@candacerivero]

this is THE BEST video I have seen about the pivot point and rear overhang ... great job. I am an RV Driving School Instructor so these are 2 of the most important concepts I teach new RV drivers.

[@RVgeeks]

Thank you so much Candace! That sure means a lot coming from a fellow professional instructor. May I ask where you teach? We're obviously very interested in the topic, and always looking for resources for our viewers. Since this video came out, I've received many requests to teach people to drive their motorhomes, but I'm not really interested in getting back into the teaching biz. ;-)

[@candacerivero]

I am a certified teacher with The RV Driving School. We post our locations on the map, I am based out of Nashville for the last couple of years. Students request a class on the website, then we teach them in their own RV. Your video shows so clearly what we are teaching new RVers. You have done a fantastic job with the drone footage and the GoPro cameras to show EXACTLY what an RV driver should see in their mirrors. Many RVers don't even know HOW to set their mirrors properly, and RV sales reps don't know either. Again, AWESOME job on the video!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much again for your nice comments, Candace. What a great thing you're doing teaching people on their own rigs. I do still love teaching people to drive. We had friends come along on a 10-day road trips with us a few years ago. Even though they had never been in an RV before, I insisted that they each drive, since they were talking about buying one. On our 800-mile trip, one of them was behind the wheel of our rig for about 400 miles! And they did indeed buy their own diesel pusher after that. ;-) I just don't want to teach for a living any more, after spending 10 year training drivers on MCIs... in Manhattan! Sounds like you've also seen our mirror video ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/opXInJ2mjrZqh9k ). I have a couple of other driving videos in mind, but these are SO hard to create that it may be a while. LOL Take care, and thanks again. - Peter

[@danaakhavuz8]

Mr. Geek thank u very much for info. U are good at explaining how to do any activity in u RV . One teacher to another .

[@RVgeeks]

Thank you so much for the kind words, Dana! You just made my day. 😊

[@SomedaysHere]

Fellas One of your best vids ( and you have a lot of great ones ) This video should be seen by anybody driving a RV. If I have ever saw a video that needed to be shared or seen, it was this one!!! Great Job!

[@RVgeeks]

+RV Adventure Thanks so much! :) We've got more RV driving videos in the works too.

[@PNWLiving1725]

Thank you for this! Helps. Getting a 31 foot class c thor outlaw next month, so nice to prepare.

[@debhaskell3875]

Wow. Thank you. I’ve always wondered about off tracking in a car. Now I get it!

[@katyorlando4413]

This is such a clear video. Thank you. I am a visual learner. Your diagrams and explanations are clear. As I prepare to start full timing and buying my first RV, I will follow your videos! Thanks

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much!☺️

[@MrJinx48]

we needed that! thanks!

[@simplemanrv8229]

Great info!

[@lifeoffgrid3472]

Great video. Thank you.

[@Olive-oilien]

Great content. Thank you!!

[@markennever7204]

Excellent video

[@lovetocraftandsew]

Great video. Thanks.